Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Chilli]

There was a story about NASPERS [aka Die Broeder Bond] making a deal with the ANC all those years ago that they would pave the way for the NP Government to release Mandela etc and part of the deal was that NASPERS would get the PAY TV rights for SA for X number of years.

I am not sure how true it is.

[assfly]

Does DSTV still go off when there is drizzle somewhere in the country?

[Chilli]

Does DSTV still go off when there is drizzle somewhere in the country?

Sometimes.

[handyman]

There was a story about NASPERS [aka Die Broeder Bond] making a deal with the ANC all those years ago that they would pave the way for the NP Government to release Mandela etc and part of the deal was that NASPERS would get the PAY TV rights for SA for X number of years.

I am not sure how true it is.

How's that Chilli?

[Chilli]

There was a story about NASPERS [aka Die Broeder Bond] making a deal with the ANC all those years ago that they would pave the way for the NP Government to release Mandela etc and part of the deal was that NASPERS would get the PAY TV rights for SA for X number of years.

I am not sure how true it is.

How's that Chilli?

If my memory is incorrect then I apologize

[OomStruisbaai]

There was a story about NASPERS [aka Die Broeder Bond] making a deal with the ANC all those years ago that they would pave the way for the NP Government to release Mandela etc and part of the deal was that NASPERS would get the PAY TV rights for SA for X number of years.

I am not sure how true it is.


But it sounds like Handy might know something about it

How's that Chilli?

Can you lot move the Broederbond posts to the Saffa tread please?

[handyman]

There was a story about NASPERS [aka Die Broeder Bond] making a deal with the ANC all those years ago that they would pave the way for the NP Government to release Mandela etc and part of the deal was that NASPERS would get the PAY TV rights for SA for X number of years.

I am not sure how true it is.

How's that Chilli?

If I remember you posted that your family was BB
If my memory is incorrect then I apologize

Not sure if it's cool to post stuff like that which is not true. I would appreciate it if you delete it.

[Chilli]

How's that Chilli?

If I remember you posted that your family was BB
If my memory is incorrect then I apologize

Not sure if it's cool to post stuff like that which is not true. I would appreciate it if you delete it.

Done

[handyman]

If I remember you posted that your family was BB
If my memory is incorrect then I apologize

Not sure if it's cool to post stuff like that which is not true. I would appreciate it if you delete it.

Done

[Sards]

Not sure if it's cool to post stuff like that which is not true. I would appreciate it if you delete it.

Done

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcas ... wqtMmoQkyU

[handyman]

Done

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcas ... wqtMmoQkyU

Thanks lad.

[Jim Lahey]

Managed to survive watching the first 35mins of the Ulster Sarries preseason game last night.

Fuck we are shite. Same old problems. Forwards are soft as shit, struggling to make yards in heavy traffic. Defensive reads from our backline are shocking. Moxham put in a Stockdale versus France in Paris a few years ago-esque performance whereby every time he was involved it either resulted in a turnover or a missed tackle that ultimately led to a try.

I know it was a 2nd string team that was out but it doesn't bode well for our strength and depth. Having said that Matty Rea and Callum Reid looked to have a bit of grunt about them, and Nathan Doak certainly looks like a prospect. The rest were very meh.

[OomStruisbaai]

ROUND 1
Friday, September 24 Zebre v Emirates Lions | 17:35 UK / 18:35 ITA & SA | Super Sport, Premier Sports Ulster v Glasgow Warriors | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | Premier Sports Cardiff v Connacht | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, TG4, Premier Sports

Saturday, September 25 Benetton v DHL Stormers | 13:00 UK / 14:00 ITA & SA | Italian TV, Super Sport, Premier Sports Leinster v Vodacom Bulls | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | TG4, Super Sport, Premier Sports Edinburgh v Scarlets | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | Premier Sports, S4C Munster v Sharks | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | RTE, Super Sport, Premier Sports Sunday, September 26 Dragons v Ospreys | 14:00 UK / 15:00 ITA & SA | Premier Sports

[assfly]

So Ruan Pienaar and Tian Meyer are on loan to the Sharks for the URC

[Sards]

Read that SARU has issued WP an ultimatum.
Wtf...............either sort out their shit or get out of the comp.

[fishfoodie]

ROUND 1
Friday, September 24 Zebre v Emirates Lions | 17:35 UK / 18:35 ITA & SA | Super Sport, Premier Sports Ulster v Glasgow Warriors | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | Premier Sports Cardiff v Connacht | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, TG4, Premier Sports

Saturday, September 25 Benetton v DHL Stormers | 13:00 UK / 14:00 ITA & SA | Italian TV, Super Sport, Premier Sports Leinster v Vodacom Bulls | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | TG4, Super Sport, Premier Sports Edinburgh v Scarlets | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | Premier Sports, S4C Munster v Sharks | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | RTE, Super Sport, Premier Sports Sunday, September 26 Dragons v Ospreys | 14:00 UK / 15:00 ITA & SA | Premier Sports

You probably realize it after the kick in the knackers last season; but take the games against the Italians seriously !

Zebra rolled over Leinster a few years ago in one of the early rounds; & they've found a little something in the last year; that is starting to look like a genuine improvement.

[Chilli]

https://rugby365.com/countries/south-af ... crambling/

NEWS: There was a flutter of excitement in Bloemfontein and a rush of anxiety in Cape Town this week, as the South African Rugby Union gave the Western Province Rugby Football Union an ultimatum to ‘get their house in order’.

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@rugby365com can reveal that SARU President Mark Alexander made a direct call to WPRFU boss Zelt Marais over the protracted financial controversies and infighting at the Cape Town union.

Alexander, in no uncertain terms, warned Marais that his franchise will be replaced by the Cheetahs in the United Rugby Championship if the firestorms are not put out.

Given that the URC is set to get underway a fortnight from now, it caused a major stir in both Bloemfontein and Cape Town.

It is not clear what the deadline is for when Marais to deliver on the verbal guarantees he gave Alexander, but the threat of SARU escalating the matter to the level of excluding the Stormers from international competitions will see a number of ’emergency meetings’ in the days to come.

Alexander’s call followed the fractious and often chaotic last few weeks in the WPRFU, in which the union President, Marais, came under fire for acting in direct conflict to the instructions of a WPRFU/SA Rugby advisory committee on which he serves.

Marais caused a stir when he put forward Anicra (Pty) Ltd as a legitimate alternative option to the SARU-preferred Staytus to solve the union’s ongoing financial crisis.

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As @rugby365com reported, SARU has since withdrawn from and ended the existence of the WPRFU/SARU Advisory Committee.

The six-man WPRFU/SA Rugby advisory committee consisted of Marais, Patrick Kuhn (chairman), Samuel Ngumeni, Abubakar Saban, Ebrahim Rasool (Western Province Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd) and Colin Moses.

SARU Chief Executive Officer Jurie Roux made it clear the national body will not hesitate to invoke clause 28 of the constitution.

This was followed by Alexander’s call and the ultimatum to Marais to put his union’s house in order.

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* That was not the only significant development involving the Cheetahs this week, as they seek to find a way into an international competition for their players.

* (Article continues below …)

The Cheetahs, who featured in the Pro14 for two years after being kicked out of Super Rugby, also lost their place in Europe when the SA Rugby decided to quit Super Rugby and move to the Northern Hemisphere.

The Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers were given the four South African slots in the URC.

However, some of the Cheetahs’ players will feature in the URC as part of a new deal.

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Cheetahs and Sharks have signed a cooperation agreement to exchange players and to support each other on a broader front.

“This step benefits both teams in terms of their game and financially and that the move is also in the broader interests of South African rugby,” a joint statement by the two franchises said.

“The Cheetahs and Sharks will make some of their players available to each other on request and when competitions do not overlap.

“The Sharks will also provide players to the Cheetahs.

“Some of them could even be made available for the 2022 Currie Cup competition.”

In one of the first exchanges Cheetah scrumhalf and captain Ruan Pienaar, along with utility back Tian Meyer (also a regular at No.9) will be joining the Sharks on short-term deals.

Meyer will be available for the URC outbound tour and will then return to the Cheetahs.

With Springbok selection and injuries ruling out three of the Sharks scrumhalves, Pienaar will be involved for a longer period in the competition and his invaluable experience and knowledge of the Irish playing conditions will be hugely beneficial and a great boost to the Sharks prospects in Europe.

Pienaar says he is looking forward to a final tour of Ireland, but Bloemfontein and the Cheetahs will remain his home.

This is where he wants to wind up his career over the next two seasons.

In return, the Sharks will make some of their players available on loan to the Cheetahs for international and Currie Cup games that the Cheetahs are preparing for.

The cooperation agreement will be broader than just the exchange of players.

“Both teams will benefit financially,” the statement said.

“As they will not always be playing in the same competitions, they will be able to support each other in times of need and pressure.”

For the Cheetahs this agreement is not something new.

The Cheetahs have had such agreements with the neighbouring Griffons and Griquas, as well as Verblitz in Japan.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

I can only imagine the WPing and wailing if the Stomps are kicked out.

[assfly]

Surely not.

[Chilli]

Surely not.

By surely not, you actually mean "hopefully"?

[assfly]

By surely not, you actually mean "hopefully"?

I admit, I would find it ironic that the greatest and best team in Africa are removed from the competition.

Hell, the Cheetahs can have back Pienaar and Meyer as a gesture of good will by the Sharks if it happens

[Chilli]

Another tournament in which I have no dog in the fight.

Go with the underdogs. Stormers

He’ll wear his Pretoria flip-flops again.

It might be time for us Cheetah supporters to POP OUR COLLARS!

[Chilli]

By surely not, you actually mean "hopefully"?

I admit, I would find it ironic that the greatest and best team in Africa are removed from the competition.

Hell, the Cheetahs can have back Pienaar and Meyer as a gesture of good will by the Sharks if it happens

By finding it ironic, you actually mean that you would laugh, and laugh and laugh?

[assfly]

By finding it ironic, you actually mean that you would laugh, and laugh and laugh?

Yes, I will laugh.

But in the long run, this is not good for South African rugby. Those guys sit on a massive pool of young players and this could have a huge affect on the game long-term. But I agree with SARU, this nonsense can't go on forever, so maybe a year in the wilderness will give them time to clean their house up.

[Chilli]

By finding it ironic, you actually mean that you would laugh, and laugh and laugh?

Yes, I will laugh.

But in the long run, this is not good for South African rugby. Those guys sit on a massive pool of young players and this could have a huge affect on the game long-term. But I agree with SARU, this nonsense can't go on forever, so maybe a year in the wilderness will give them time to clean their house up.

And they could be sub contracted to the other Unions, much like the Lions did during their time in the wilderness.

[Sards]

By finding it ironic, you actually mean that you would laugh, and laugh and laugh?

Yes, I will laugh.

But in the long run, this is not good for South African rugby. Those guys sit on a massive pool of young players and this could have a huge affect on the game long-term. But I agree with SARU, this nonsense can't go on forever, so maybe a year in the wilderness will give them time to clean their house up.

And they could be sub contracted to the other Unions, much like the Lions did during their time in the wilderness.

The Cheetahs would definitely benefit from the boost of having Stormers players available....and imagine the money that would flow into the Cheetahs. It's a win win....the Stormers subsidisation has gone on long enough. We can't afford to lose more international players overseas because the house is not in order.

But as in everything else in South Africa there is no ultimate date set and it just sounds like idle threats and there is 2 weeks before the comp starts. So don't hold your breath

[handyman]

Lads, thanks for the concern, but WP will be fine, always was and always will be.

[Sards]

Lads, thanks for the concern, but WP will be fine, always was and always will be.

I am getting the message you lot want it all to collapse and then rebuild. If so give the Cheetahs a shot.

[handyman]

Lads, thanks for the concern, but WP will be fine, always was and always will be.

I am getting the message you lot want it all to collapse and then rebuild. If so give the Cheetahs a shot.

You somehow have this idea that I'm sitting on the board of SARU and can make these decisions. Now, crazy as it may seem, that is not the case. Unfortunately lad, it's not up to me.

[Slick]

What have we done

[OomStruisbaai]

Lads, thanks for the concern, but WP will be fine, always was and always will be.

I am getting the message you lot want it all to collapse and then rebuild. If so give the Cheetahs a shot.

You somehow have this idea that I'm sitting on the board of SARU and can make these decisions. Now, crazy as it may seem, that is not the case. Unfortunately lad, it's not up to me.

To be honest I dont care as long as they vokken kick Zelt Marais out of WP rugby. Seems he is worse then the EFF.

[Chilli]

I am getting the message you lot want it all to collapse and then rebuild. If so give the Cheetahs a shot.

You somehow have this idea that I'm sitting on the board of SARU and can make these decisions. Now, crazy as it may seem, that is not the case. Unfortunately lad, it's not up to me.

To be honest I dont care as long as they vokken kick Zelt Marais out of WP rugby. Seems he is worse then the EFF.

Jokes aside, he is killing the WP /STORMERS.

[Sards]

Vok man. You have a voice. Use it

[OomStruisbaai]

Vok man. You have a voice. Use it

My voice means vokol. Luckily the vokker dont have any influence on our schoolboy rugby. As long as that stay healthy SA Rugby bottom structures will be ok. Covid damaged it enough.

[Sards]

Vok man. You have a voice. Use it

My voice means vokol. Luckily the vokker dont have any influence on our schoolboy rugby. As long as that stay healthy SA Rugby bottom structures will be ok. Covid damaged it enough.

I give up

[Chilli]

WP OUT!

VRYSAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!

[handyman]

Vok man. You have a voice. Use it

My voice means vokol. Luckily the vokker dont have any influence on our schoolboy rugby. As long as that stay healthy SA Rugby bottom structures will be ok. Covid damaged it enough.

I give up

Please do.

[Sards]

WP OUT!

VRYSAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!

Not going to happen although it should...

I just don't understand why Zelt is hanging on so badly. I suspect he is holding on for a golden handshake on the property deal.

[robmatic]

There will be global streaming coverage for those of us outside UK and SA, although they are leaving the details a little late.

The downside is that it will probably involve terrible Irish commentary, but it will still be quite handy to be able to watch all the games on a proper service.

NEVER MISS A MOMENT WITH URC TV
In time for the new season, RTÉ and United Rugby Championship (URC) will launch URC TV, a new global streaming service offering fans the opportunity to watch games live and on-demand, and follow their team home or away. It is an exciting new way for fans to watch games the way they want to, regardless of where they are in the world.*

URC TV will offer a range of subscription packages including a Season Pass (all games), Weekend Passes (all games within a round) and individual games passes. These will be available for fans watching in Ireland, Europe (excluding UK), North America, South America Asia and Australasia.

A free service showing a range of highlights, archive matches and snackable videos, will be available in all countries including the UK and South Africa (fans in these countries can watch all games live on Premier Sports and Super Sport respectively).

URC TV promises to give rugby fans access to world-class, year-round content and to follow all the action of their favourite team. The streaming service is will readily available on any connected device. Matches will be broadcast in HD with high quality English commentary with the ability to cast to a smart TV.

Packages go on sale in early September, be first to hear by signing up at www.urc.tv

[assfly]

There will be global streaming coverage for those of us outside UK and SA, although they are leaving the details a little late.

The downside is that it will probably involve terrible Irish commentary, but it will still be quite handy to be able to watch all the games on a proper service.

NEVER MISS A MOMENT WITH URC TV
In time for the new season, RTÉ and United Rugby Championship (URC) will launch URC TV, a new global streaming service offering fans the opportunity to watch games live and on-demand, and follow their team home or away. It is an exciting new way for fans to watch games the way they want to, regardless of where they are in the world.*

URC TV will offer a range of subscription packages including a Season Pass (all games), Weekend Passes (all games within a round) and individual games passes. These will be available for fans watching in Ireland, Europe (excluding UK), North America, South America Asia and Australasia.

A free service showing a range of highlights, archive matches and snackable videos, will be available in all countries including the UK and South Africa (fans in these countries can watch all games live on Premier Sports and Super Sport respectively).

URC TV promises to give rugby fans access to world-class, year-round content and to follow all the action of their favourite team. The streaming service is will readily available on any connected device. Matches will be broadcast in HD with high quality English commentary with the ability to cast to a smart TV.

Packages go on sale in early September, be first to hear by signing up at www.urc.tv

That's great news. I hope the games are available to Africa (excluding SA).

I really like the URC branding. Very snazzy.

[OomStruisbaai]

Little bit Roos